University to kick off construction of new residence hall, dining facility

The building meets increased demand for on-campus housing at USF St. Petersburg

ST. PETERSBURG — The University of South Florida plans to break ground next week on a much-needed new residence hall and dining facility at its St. Petersburg campus.

In a press release, USF says the 375-bed building, expected to open in summer 2020, will meet rising demand for affordable, on-campus housing. It will also house USF St. Petersburg’s first full-service dining facility.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, USF System President Judy Genshaft, USFSP Regional Chancellor Martin Tadlock and USF trustee and USFSP Campus Board Chairwoman Stephanie Goforth are expected to speak at the April 25 groundbreaking ceremony, the release states, while the project architect, Dallas-based The Beck Group, will provide virtual reality “tours” of the building.

According to the release, the new residence hall is expected to increase the number of students living on campus by 70%.

“This facility will not only offer easy access to campus resources and activities, it will also provide our students with leadership and learning opportunities,” states Jacob Diaz, USFSP’s regional assistant vice chancellor and dean of students, in the release. “I’m really excited for what it will mean for student life on campus.”